How to Transfer From Community College to a University

Attending community college can help students get basic college classes out of the way and save themselves much money. Once you complete your associates degree, you may be ready to move on to university in pursuit of a bachelor's degree. The process of transferring from community college to university can vary from school to school, however the following tips can help make that transfer happen.

5 Tips on How to Transfer From Community College to University

1. Complete your studies. Before you consider transferring to a university, complete your coursework at the community college. Although it may be possible to transfer to a university without an associate degree in hand, you may find it easier to complete your first two years at the community college before making application at a university. Your community college grades matter -- the higher your grade point average, the more appealing of a student you will be to a university.

2. Identify a university. What is important here is that you find a university that you want to attend. This school should offer the coursework and major that you want and a degree in the field that you plan to pursue. You should approach each potential school as a new student because that is what you will be even though you will be entering that school as a rising junior. Consider the campus environment, whether you will be living on campus or commuting, learn what extracurricular activities will be offered and the costs involved in attending. Know that you will identify with this school throughout your life -- will you be a proud graduate of this university or a reluctant transfer student?

3. Learn its transfer policy. Every university sets a transfer policy for receiving students from other colleges. In California, the public university system makes it easy for California community college students to make a transfer. These universities have automatic transfer agreements that seamlessly help community college students to make a transfer. Contact the school where you plan to make application and learn if it has a transfer agreement with your school. If not, that does not mean you cannot apply, you just may have to take a few extra steps to complete the process. Learn each school's transfer policy and carefully follow each step outlined.

4. Write your application. As soon as you are ready to apply to a university, fill out your application. Typically, you can do this online. Be prepared to submit at least two academic references, include a copy of your grades and perhaps submit SAT or ACT test scores. Include your application fee and submit. If you are mailing in your application, make a copy of same and forward your materials to the correct address with the right amount of postage included.

5. Complete your transfer to university. Once your application has been received by the university, it will be reviewed and a decision rendered within the specified timeframe. If you are accepted, then complete your transfer per the university's requirements. Carefully follow deadlines such as formally accepting its acceptance, making a deposit and arranging financial aid. Complete your associate degree and prepare to make transfer to university.

Transfer Students Advice

As a transfer student, you will be joining numerous other students that have made the switch from community college to four-year university. Approximately 20 percent of UC students are college transfers, therefore you will be in good company wherever you decide to attend university. Follow up with your community college to ensure that your final grades and a copy of your degree are submitted to your new school. Meet with an academic advisor to ensure that you start as a junior at the university.

Sources

University of California: Transfer -- http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/index.html